Need Help

[Sharptooth]

Its offical today my doctor told me i must be on oxygen 24-7 for the rest of my life due to my pulminary fibrosis. I am a 58 year old male who is not taking this very well. One of the reasons i need help is we are going to Disney in April for some Pixie Dust. Can somebody tell me what are the procedures for flying with portable oxygen. We are flying with Southwest. I would imagine i will be asking you fine people more questions in the future so thanks in advance.

 

[Mary976]

I'm sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. Has your doctor said whether a portable oxygen concentrator is appropriate for you? If so, that's the way to go when flying (you can rent one if you don't want to buy). You can't bring your own O2 on the plane, so have your local company help set you up with a company in Orlando. Also, you may need paperwork for the airline from your doctor's office. I would check Southwest's website soon so you have plenty of time to take care of that. My FIL traveled (by air) around the country with O2 for years. Generally it went smoothly. Both his doctor and his O2 supplier will well versed in setting up what he needed for travel.

Also, be sure to note that the thrill rides at WDW probably won't work for you, but other rides and shows should be fine, especially if you have a small tank for the day while you're out in the park. Also, I believe the First Aid station will store other small tanks for you, if you need to swap them out during the day. I think you can drop your tanks off in the AM and then stop in at First Aid as needed. FIL preferred the small tanks when not on a plane, but they wouldn't have lasted an entire day at WDW.

Good luck and best wishes for your trip!
Mary

 

[krisnme]

Sorry to hear about you diagnosis, but you will still be able to travel! My Mom uses o2 and has traveled easily by plane, train, boat and car! Talk to your dr. about a portable o2 concentrator, really the easiest way to go even for daily life outside the home. you will absolutely need specific documentation for southwest and as said above, you can find it on the website (don't wait till the last minute!) also note the info about extra batteries, they always check my mothers supply. She has a Sequil Equlipse (covered by insurance) and it travels very well and is not too loud. if you plan to use an ecv or wheelchair, don't forget a backpack to hang over the back to put your o2 or concentrator in. Allow extra time to get thru airport security, and request priority seating at the gate so you can find the best seat for your comfort. My mother is also still young, and this is a difficult transition but you will hopefully find that with the o2 you feel better, and will have some of your old energy back. have a wonderful trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

To add to what the other posters wrote, there is more information in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
Post #3 has information about many conditions and concerns and has several links about going to WDW with oxygen.

Also, there is a post about air travel in that thread (I think it is post #9). That post has general information and links. To get the most specific, check out Southwest’s website as the other posters recommended.